Maybe you have been doing the same workout for awhile and have lost motivation. Well, barre workouts are one of the latest fitness trends and we have them right here in Bluffton.

Barre workouts have been gaining popularity because you can really feel and see the results. Barre classes are a total body workout with an emphasis on the glutes, thighs and abs. It’s a low-impact workout for all body types and fitness levels.

Here are a few barre exercises:

PLIE WITH ATTITUDE

Start position: Side facing. Forearm distance away from the barre in plie position with legs separated wider than shoulders and feet slightly turned out.

Movement: Bend your knees into a plie squat position, keeping your body upright (beginners feet flat; intermediate feet in releve or heels lifted). Stay down in the plie squat position and perform the following movements:

1. Slow pulses 8-12 times (down one inch, then up one inch).

2. Quick pulses 8-12 times.

3. Pulses with right heel lifted 12 time, then left heel lifted 12 times, then alternate 12 times.

4. Add front attitude: Plie down, then lift to standing position with outside leg lifted in front of body in attitude position. Attitude is when you lift your leg up with a knee bend and your heel is also lifted with the knee.

5. Repeat entire sequence facing the other side.

Once you have mastered the movement, then arm motions can be added.

GLUTE LIFTERS

Start position: Place forearms on the bar with your head down near your forearms. Upper body is parallel to ground with a straight spine. Keep your standing leg slightly bent and directly underneath your hip. Keep your abdominals engaged throughout the exercise.

Movement: Right leg performs 8-12 repetitions of all the following exercises, then repeat on the left side:

1. Straight leg lifts to the rear (arabesque). Touch the floor, then lift the leg using your glutes.

2. Straight leg pulses.

3. Bend knee to chest, then straighten leg and lift to rear, keeping back still and abs engaged.

Repeat on the same leg with straight leg lifts to rear diagonal, like you are lifting to the corner of the room instead of straight back.

Change to the left leg and repeat.

Do barre exercises or classes two to three times per week for best results.

Jennifer Wolfe, MS, CSCS, PMA®-CPT, is a trainer at TrueFit Pilates and Training Center, 57A Sheridan Park Circle in Bluffton. She can be reached at 843-815-4968, jwolfefitness@yahoo.com or at www.truefitpilates.com.